Cats
New laws for cat and dog owners came into effect on 1 July 2018
- Mandatory microchipping of cats and dogs
- De-sexing of dogs and cats born after the 1 July 2018
- New rules for breeders who sell dogs and cats
- Introduction of a centralised state-wide database, called Dogs and Cats Online (DACO).
The Dog and Cat Management Board is responsible for overseeing the administration and enforcement of the Dog and Cat Management Act 1995. Further information regarding dog and cat laws and the Board itself may be found at www.dogandcatboard.com.au or call (08) 8124 4962.
Cat Identification
You must microchip your cat, with contact details recorded on the state database DACO undertaken via DACO, www.dogsandcatsonline.com.au
Identifying cats may assist with reuniting them with their owners and may avoid them either being kept by a member of the public or being classified as a stray. Unidentified cats found roaming are at risk of being collected and impounded as a stray or unwanted cat.
Cat owners who’ve registered their cat’s microchip number in Dogs and Cats Online will receive a notice each July to remind them to log in and check their details are up-to-date. If you move, you’ll need to update your address. If your cat dies, is missing for more than 72 hours, is given to a new owner, or is surrendered to the RSPCA or Animal Welfare League, update your cat’s record in Dogs and Cats Online. Choose ‘deceased’ or ‘lost’ from the ‘Animal Status’ drop down menu on your pet’s record.
If your cat goes to a new home, their registration must be transferred to the new owner. You’ll need to initiate a transfer in Dogs and Cats Online and give the transfer number to the new owner who then logs in to complete the transfer themselves. There are easy reference guides on the Dog and Cat Management Board’s website if you need help.
Council supports local, low cost microchip events scheduled periodically by ChipBlitz. Visit www.chipblitz.com to find and book an upcoming session near you. Of course, your local vet can microchip your pet.
Breeding, selling and buying
There are laws which regulate breeding and selling dogs and cats in South Australia. The most significant are set out below. Visit the Dog and Cat Management Board website for further information.
- Breeders and sellers must adhere to the South Australian Standards and Guidelines for Breeding and Trading Companion Animals.
- Breeders intending to sell dogs or cats they have bred must register in Dogs and Cats Online.
- A dog or cat can’t be sold without a microchip.
- Dogs and cats must be desexed by six months of age.
- Any advertisement selling a dog or cat must include the seller and breeders’ contact details and breeder registration number.
- Sellers/breeders must provide specific information to purchasers, eg. seller and breeders’ details; breeders’ Dogs and Cats Online number; vaccination details; desexing details; microchip details; known illnesses or medical conditions; control order information (dogs)
Pet-friendly venues
RSPCA South Australia are currently developing an app to help people locate pet-friendly venues and locations in South Australia. To read more about the app you can head here www.rspcapetstop.com.
Keeping Your Cat Safe and Happy at Home
Although there is no legal curfew in Prospect, Council strongly encourage cat owners to confine their cats to their premises.
Keeping your cat in at night is good for neighbourly relations and avoids the cat calling, or "yowling", along with other cat related complaints. Consideration of other people's property and environment should be taken seriously by all cat owners.
The RSPCA have developed a resource and website to assist cat owners in providing for their cat’s welfare and also help protect native wildlife by keeping their cat contained to their home, with safe outdoor access (eg through a cat enclosure).
Visit the website here.
Digital flyer - Safe and Happy Cats
The Dog and Cat Management Board also have a range of booklets on cat ownership:
What are the limits on cats per household?
There are currently no requirements relating to the limit of cats per household under the Dog and Cat Management Act 1995 or City of Prospect’s by-laws.
Stray and Nuisance Cats
If you know the owner of a nuisance cat, the best approach is to first have a conversation. We encourage you to first approach the cat owner in a friendly manner. Explain what impact their cat is having on your property or environment.
If you still require assistance, please contact our General Inspectors. We do not offer cat traps for hire, however we can assist in connecting you to a cat trapping service facilitated by the Animal Welfare League. They will determine what action to take in relation to any cat they receive. Any trapped cat that is identified to be microchipped or wearing a collar will be returned to its owner or released immediately.
For advice or helpful tips to discourage nuisance cats visit http://goodcatsa.com/nuisance-cats or stray cats, visit https://awl.org.au/advice-education/pet-advice/cat-tips-advice/stray-cats
If you have any queries around cat ownership within City of Prospect, please phone Council on (08) 8269 5355, or email us at admin@prospect.sa.gov.au